Hello again my friends out there in 311 nation! Another week is upon us and it’s time to meet another 311 fan. This week we have the story of Brian Bernard!
Brian and his wife were married right around the time that 311 was getting started. After they married they started a family right away, so much music in the 90’s slipped under his radar, including 311. “I did grow up playing a lot of music in bands and especially loved the late 80’s early 90’s sounds of RHCP / Faith No More / Beasties Boys etc. Around 2002 I started getting back to making music and made some recordings. I was playing them for a friend and he commented it sounded a lot like 311, and I actually had NO idea what he was talking about. I went out and bought From Chaos and was hooked. I have 4 great kids and they all enjoy the band and have been to shows either with us or by themselves.”
Show count for Brian is at 21. First show for him was in 2009 in Charlotte, North Carolina. “I took my son, who was and is still a huge fan.” As for favorite shows, he said the fall tour 2012 is it. “I took one of my boys who was in 8th grade at the time to the Fillmore in Charlotte and it was the night before Halloween. Setlist and the crowd was on fire. We spent a lot of time during and after the show talking about how blown away we were. Great night.”
There are many songs that mean a lot to Brian, but he narrowed it down to two, the first being “Wildfire.” “So many elements lyrically and musically that resonate with me. It’s a testament to the power of believing in yourself against all odds.” The other song is “It’s Alright.” “Life is so tempting to relive the past and dream of the future and never stop to bask in the moments. Plus Nutter throws down the funkiest bass riff which always makes me smile.”
As for lyrics that resonate with Brian, he quoted the following: “Nothing in life is above being honest,” “The river cuts its way through stone, not by sheer force but persistence,” and “Always an excuse if you need one.” The last one he’s used for years with his kids about breaking down resistance life sends your way.
Brian grew up in a country town called Seaford, Delaware. He said there wasn’t much to do there except play with cars, play sports, or play music. “My best friends and I formed a band in 3rd grade and played together for a lot of years through high school and beyond. Best of times to be alive. We moved to Philadelphia together to chase music dreams. We got so so close but that’s another story. I currently have lived in the Charlotte area since 2000.”
Cool story about Brian is that his brother-in-law played professional baseball for the Red Sox. “When his sister and I were first dating we went to a game, but had never met him before. In the 7th inning he hit a foul ball and I caught it. After the game we met and he asked if he could sign the ball. He did and wrote “Welcome to the family”. (We were married less than a year later) I still have the ball all these years later and we work together in the business that I own.”
Little thing that makes Brian unique is that he pretty much does everything right handed except throwing a ball, which he does as a lefty. “Sports were an absolute train wreck for me until one day my Dad said maybe I should try to throw with my other hand, lol.”
Guilty pleasure for Brian is anything with Drew Barrymore, he’s a sucker for her. He also loves the bass guitar and has been playing since he was 12. “I saved up mowing lawns and bought my first bass at a music store and it was missing 3 tuning legs and I had to tune it with pliers.”
Two of Brian’s other favorite bands, that he’s actually seen more than 311, are Dave Matthews Band and Umprey’s McGee. He also loves Revivalists, Marc Broussard, Kings X, Better than Ezra, and Red Hot Chili Peppers, to name a few. “And pretty much all 80’s early 90’s metal / glam / thrash.”
To 311, Brian would like to say: “Thank you for inspiring me musically and personally. Thank you to Nick and Aaron also for extending their musical reach to the fans and myself with personal interaction over the years via social media.”
And now here are his words to all the other 311 fans out there:
“I love how passionate the fans are about everything the band does. In all the passion, remember though, they are just humans with feelings, emotions, families, flaws and life struggles. They put their pants on exactly like you, one leg at a time. The past few years have been a challenge for all, and the resilience of the band has shined through this season also.”
Many thanks to Brian for sharing his story with us all! Of course, huge shout out of gratitude to all of the readers each week. Wishing you all a very, happy holiday season! See you in the New Year!
Much Love – The Runt
